There is also significant anger directed at the Netherlands medical team, who had previously assured Barcelona that the situation was under control and that injections were being administered under strict supervision. The results seen this week suggest otherwise, leading Barca to believe that an imprudent level of effort was demanded from the midfielder.
If the final tests confirm the worst-case scenario, surgery will be the only option to stabilise the knee. Such a procedure would effectively rule De Jong out for the first half of the season, leaving Flick without one of his key pillars just as his tenure begins. The Dutch midfielder was instrumental last season, making 38 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, scoring one goal and providing eight assists to help the club clinch the La Liga title.